Quote:
Originally Posted by dino7c
I think the amount of teams involved and the schedule is the biggest issue for them now...one team might crash and burn but they all won't
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I have no doubt the Panthers are better than the Red Wings, Sabres, and Senators, and will be ahead of them in the standings at the end of the year.
But you're right, there are a few teams ahead of them that I worry they won't catch.
Right now you have 3 teams battling for 2 wild card spots: Penguins, Islanders, Rangers. The underlying numbers suggest they are for real.
Some other teams on the bubble are the Lightning and the Capitals. I suspect the Caps are not as good as their current record suggests and may fall from grace. I never count out the Lightning anymore, so forget that.
Really, the Panthers seem destined for a 9th place finish at best, but then again, there's enough talent on the team to see them rip it up and put themselves right back in the picture.
Lots of hockey left to be played. It's the same reason why I wouldn't count out the Flames yet either. I think the best for both teams is yet to come.
Now the Blue Jackets on the other hand...sigh.